Plug Power Inc (PLUG)

[uksausage]

Why did DUKE Energy go with Batteries instead of Fuel Cells ?

Because their electricity supply systems are falling apart. They are being used to smooth out the electric supply and provide an element of back up.

The real target for Fuel cells in the electricity grid supply side is two fold as you know,

a) true facility back up - Bloom are the leaders PLUG just entering for large scale and have thousands of small scale installations. Lots of cost effectiveness vs diesel generators. Batteries not relevant as they would need to be recharged....

b) energy storage - emerging as competitive and far greener than large battery banks (think of the lithium content). using off peak free electricity and Giner ELX electrolyzers to generate H2 stored in tanks or underground before being used to generate electricity for the grid when needed.